Arsenal strike midfielder agreement as Ornstein confirms Arteta has secured ‘significant’ coup

Arsenal have an ‘agreement in place’ over a midfield deal David Ornstein termed ‘significant’, and the Gunners have successfully fended off several rivals in the process.

Arsenal are currently on course to lift their first Premier League title since 2004. The Gunners hold a two-point advantage over nearest rival Man City. Mikel Arteta’s side also have a game in hand.

However, to guarantee the current campaign isn’t a one and done, the north Londoners have been busy moving to secure their most important stars down to long-term extensions.

Gabriel Martinelli extended his stay until 2027 on February 3. The Athletic led the way last week when noting two-time and reigning Arsenal Player of the Year, Bukayo Saka, has struck an ‘agreement in principle’ over his own extension.

Centre-half William Saliba is next on the agenda from the senior squad, though per the Athletic’s David Ornstein, a thriving youth star has joined the party.

Writing for the Athletic, Ornstein reported ‘Arsenal have an agreement in place’ with 16-year-old midfielder, Myles Lewis-Skelly.

The youngster has been an integral figure in Arsenal’s march to the FA Youth Cup semi-finals this term. However, Lewis-Skelly’s current deal was due to expire at season’s end.

Ornstein noted the teen prodigy has attracted widespread interest from rival clubs. However, an agreement to leave the vultures empty-handed has been forged.

Lewis-Skelly will now sign a two-year extension on scholarship terms. Once the deal runs its course, a ‘lengthier and more lucrative professional contract’ can be signed.

Manager Arteta has already shown faith in the young midfielder during the current campaign. The Spaniard used Lewis-Skelly as a second half substitute against Lyon during a friendly tournament in the World Cup break.

In another example of how highly he’s rated, Lewis-Skelly is deemed a shoo-in to feature heavily for England’s Under-17s at the U17 European Championships this summer.

The Arsenal sensational first turned out for the Under-17s as a 15-year-old and is ‘tipped to shine’ in the finals.